Fashion came full circle when the Rag and Bone vintage clothing store, 240 E. Calder Way, unleashed its spring collection last Thursday, March 20.

The store's founder and owner, Shelly Banker, said that she decided to make the arrival of the new spring collection an event to draw people into the store.

"In the past I would just put the new pieces in the store with the rest of the merchandise," Banker said. "I decided to have a couple days where the spring stuff would be separate so that people don't have to root through the racks. It's a neat promotional event that makes it fun for people."

Banker began collecting, cleaning and repairing the spring collection in February. She said that she handpicks every piece and makes sure it is in good condition before putting it out for sale in her store.

"People sell things to me and I have wholesalers and dealers. Some people are just cleaning out closets," Banker said. "Everything in here is one of a kind and that brings people back into the store."

Many of the pieces available within the spring collection are pieces that tie in with many current trends, such as '70s plaid shirts and styles, as seen in current designer fashion shows, like Dolce & Gabbana, and nautical-colored spring dresses. Their navy and white floral '70s sundress ($30) is a vivid example of old trends transcending through the fashion decades.

The collection also includes a timeless '70s belted trench coat ($45).

Banker said that she has sold some pieces already, including lightweight cardigans from the '50s.

"I have a bunch of really great little raincoats. I know that's a popular trend right now. I'm partial to the little cotton sundresses and I have some really cute little print skirts from the '50s," she said. "The coats are a great buy because they look really cool mixed with something you would have from the Gap or Abercrombie."

Banker said that The Rag and Bone has been in business in State College for more than 12 years and recently moved to its current location.

"Vintage was an interest of mine that I turned into a career. Vintage is much more mainstream now in fashion, and there wasn't a store like that here so I filled a niche," she said.

The store, decorated with classic furniture and checkered fabrics, is organized by decade.

Some items are available for rent, which Banker said is popular practice for customers looking to dress up for theme parties. Pieces on sale range from less than $10 to $100, with most pieces on the lower end of the scale. Banker said her prices are dictated by the work she puts into cleaning and repairing the clothing.

"People who know vintage, which can get really expensive, think my prices are reasonable compared to other stores. I don't think there's anything over $100 and very few things over $75," she said.

Banker said that State College is a "transient town" but people have a desire to have clothing that is unique.

One very unique look is their blue-and-green stripe belted '60s dress ($30). From its design to its subtle details like a pleated skirt bottom, this dress is definitely a one-of-a-kind piece.

"I find that people who are into vintage seek it out and people come back here because I'm constantly bringing new things into the store," Banker said.

Customers Amber Domanitis and Jennifer Welsh were shopping The Rag and Bone to find something to wear for an '80s night at the bars.

"I usually get jewelry here because it's so cheap. I've bought a dress here too," Welsh said. "My boyfriend and I alter and sew a lot of stuff."

Store clerk Danny Brumbaugh has worked at the store for nearly two years and said his passion for the vintage shop spawned from his love of older fashion.

"People dressed up more in the older decades like the '50s. They seemed to look a lot cooler and a lot more put together," Brumbaugh said.

Banker said people who are interested in vintage should start by buying something small, like purses or jewelry, or something in which they feel comfortable.

"People don't have to venture too far to find vintage," Banker said. "Vintage is a neat way to stand out, and this is the time to do it."